Inhale (Exhale): Breathing in Grace and Living Out Hopeনমুনা

Today’s Bible reading is included in the study. Feel free to look up the verses in your own version.

Years ago, a friend and mentor of mine (Bart) shared some great truths with me that revolutionized my walk with Christ. Today, I have personalized them for you. 

• Because of Christ, even on your worst possible day, your heavenly Father is already pleased with you.

Life is no longer about your behavior, good or bad, but rather what Christ accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection. You simply trust Him.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:16) 

• Your Heavenly Father is always present and available to you.

No matter what happens, no matter what you do or don’t do, He is there for you now. Your Father is ready to receive you—always.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.  I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer.” (Psalm 91:14-15) 

• You can make a mess of your life, but you can never make a mess that God cannot handle.

At your very worst, your relationship with Jesus never changes. Even if you walk away from Him, He will never walk away from you. Simply hand over the mess to Him.

 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. (John 10:28-29) 

• Your identity in Christ is not based on your best day or your worst.

Who you are in Him is not dependent on what you do, but what He has done on the cross to pay the debt you could never repay. A relationship with Jesus defines who you are.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Today, you can trust Jesus and believe the Gospel is true for you.

Which of the four statements encouraged you the most? Why?